Tourism board reviews grant applications

Published: Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 8:50 p.m.

BUNNELL — Four organizations are in line to receive a total of $10,000 in tourism development funds after the Flagler County Tourist Development Council recommended approval of five grant applications Wednesday.

Flagler County commissioners must still give final approval to the requests.

The Florida Agricultural Museum asked for two grants of $2,000 each to fund the organization's Florida Farm Days and Tractor Show, April 13 and 14, as well as the third annual Hot Foods N' Spicy Blues Festival on March 3.

TDC members also approved a $2,000 request from the Choral Arts Society for its series of three concerts planned for May, July and December.

TDC member Bob DeVore said the Choral Arts Society request was an especially efficient use of tourism development funds, which are generated by bed taxes paid at county hotels, motels and campgrounds.

"We're getting three events in one," he said.

Other groups recommended for funding were the Palm Coast Arts Foundation for $2,000 to help promote its Picnic and Pops event on May 5 and the Heritage Crossroads group, which is seeking $2,000 to help pay for brochure printing.

The tourism board also heard an update from County Attorney Al Hadeed on the status of a lawsuit against online travel companies that includes Flagler County. The case is being heard by the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee and centers on bed tax collections from online booking agencies for hotel and motel rooms.

Flagler County and other counties involved in the litigation contend that the online travel companies are not paying taxes on the full amount they are charging customers.

"We are pleased that it is moving quickly," Hadeed said. "What we're trying to do is get revenue that's due us."

Hadeed said the county has argued it is unfair for online travel companies to pay less in bed taxes than brick-and-mortar properties.

TDC Chairman Nate McLaughlin suggested the online companies are fighting the litigation because it is part of their business model.

"I think they see it as a competitive advantage," he said.

TDC members asked Hadeed if any of the online travel companies are based in Florida and whether the state of Florida is assisting counties involved in the litigation with costs.

"Counties are carrying the burden of litigation," Hadeed said. "We are litigating against these economic giants."

Hadeed said none of the online companies involved in the suit are based in Florida.

<p>BUNNELL &mdash; Four organizations are in line to receive a total of $10,000 in tourism development funds after the Flagler County Tourist Development Council recommended approval of five grant applications Wednesday. </p><p>Flagler County commissioners must still give final approval to the requests. </p><p>The Florida Agricultural Museum asked for two grants of $2,000 each to fund the organization's Florida Farm Days and Tractor Show, April 13 and 14, as well as the third annual Hot Foods N' Spicy Blues Festival on March 3. </p><p>TDC members also approved a $2,000 request from the Choral Arts Society for its series of three concerts planned for May, July and December. </p><p>TDC member Bob DeVore said the Choral Arts Society request was an especially efficient use of tourism development funds, which are generated by bed taxes paid at county hotels, motels and campgrounds. </p><p>"We're getting three events in one," he said. </p><p>Other groups recommended for funding were the Palm Coast Arts Foundation for $2,000 to help promote its Picnic and Pops event on May 5 and the Heritage Crossroads group, which is seeking $2,000 to help pay for brochure printing. </p><p>The tourism board also heard an update from County Attorney Al Hadeed on the status of a lawsuit against online travel companies that includes Flagler County. The case is being heard by the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee and centers on bed tax collections from online booking agencies for hotel and motel rooms. </p><p>Flagler County and other counties involved in the litigation contend that the online travel companies are not paying taxes on the full amount they are charging customers. </p><p>"We are pleased that it is moving quickly," Hadeed said. "What we're trying to do is get revenue that's due us." </p><p>Hadeed said the county has argued it is unfair for online travel companies to pay less in bed taxes than brick-and-mortar properties. </p><p>TDC Chairman Nate McLaughlin suggested the online companies are fighting the litigation because it is part of their business model. </p><p>"I think they see it as a competitive advantage," he said. </p><p>TDC members asked Hadeed if any of the online travel companies are based in Florida and whether the state of Florida is assisting counties involved in the litigation with costs. </p><p>"Counties are carrying the burden of litigation," Hadeed said. "We are litigating against these economic giants." </p><p>Hadeed said none of the online companies involved in the suit are based in Florida.</p>